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Monday, November 24, 2014

Speak Life

I shared with you all a while ago that we are doing Passion Projects at school. Basically, the kids are able to pick any topic they are passionate about and spend one hour a week at school learning about it. Then, at the end of third quarter the kids will share what they learned, create something, etc. I'm really excited about it and the kids are too. When I was researching passion projects I came across this video, I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch it, it's one of the most powerful things I've seen in a long time.

The basic premise is that Sulivan was picked on and instead of retaliating he chose to "Speak Life" to others around him who were also being picked on, left out, depressed, etc. What does it mean to "Speak Life" you might ask? It's based on this song by Toby Mac. Here are a few of the lyrics:

Some days, life feels perfect.Other days it just ain't workin.The good, the bad, the right, the wrongAnd everything in between.

Its crazy, amazingWe can turn a heart with the words we say.Mountains crumble with every syllable.Hope can live or die

So speak Life, speak Life.To the deadest darkest night.Speak life, speak Life.When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,You speak love, you speak life...

Our words have power and Sullivan, the boy in the above video, realized that. He made it his mission to "Speak Life" to those around him, instead of hate.....and the impact was overwhelming. It's hard for me to explain how moved I am by his actions. It really makes me step back and think about what I do and don't say. As a Christian I am called to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind AND love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27.

But. Do I really do that. My "neighbor" isn't just literally my next-door neighbor, who would would be easy to love, they are amazing- but my neighbor is everyone.

It's that co-worker I steer clear off because I don't feel like hearing them complain- But what if I would "speak life" to them, maybe they'd want to complain a little less.

It's that person at the daycare that I'm not sure knows what's best for my son- But what if I chose to "speak life" and encouraged her, maybe she'd like her job more and be able to better help my son too.

It's that student that seems to think they'll disappear if they quick talking- But what if I chose to "speak life," maybe they just don't feel like they're being heard-my ear could be invaluable.

I am humbled and inspired by the boy above. I want to "speak life" to those around me, and not for me, but for them. I challenge you today to to re-define your definition of neighbor. You never know how one kind word could change a person's day.

12 comments:

I needed this today Ginny. We have been in a negative funk here and we needed a boost. So thank you. Helping others always reminds me of how blessed we are. I love this dress with the moto jacket - so cute! I have a coupon code for White Plum on my blog today! One of my favorite shops! Happy Thanksgiving! Susan

SO I came back and read your post again and watched the video. I have tears in my eyes. As the mom of an amazing young lady who has been bullied mercilessly and excluded, I am been waiting for God to show her His plan. We are going to start this today - Speaking Life. She is expected to be a beacon of light in this dark world, no matter how others treat her. She is beautiful, smart, kind, and talented, and it is time she realizes this and uses her gifts to share the gospel. Thank you my friend. I love your outfits, but this post was for my family today(: Susan

I'm crying Ginny! I had a difficult day but this was just what I needed to hear (along with some pins I saw on Pinterest). It's something I've been thinking about and trying to implement without having the words to do so eloquently.